Feel the Heartbreak and Move On with These Breakup Songs

Get back on your feet with these breakup songs.

Few things are as painful as breakups. From acrimonious splits to sudden disappearing acts and amicable goodbyes, they all hurt.

And that’s because breakups are complex affairs. They come with a roller coaster of intense emotions, impact mental health, and present a host of logistical issues. Even the strongest people aren’t immune to these.

Since breakups are emotionally taxing experiences, people naturally look for coping mechanisms to help them process and express their feelings. Music is among those mediums, specifically breakup songs.

Why do they strike a chord with the masses? Do they truly help people move on?

Allow us to explain how therapeutic they are. We’ll even include song suggestions to get you started.

Why Do We Love Breakup Songs?

Circumstances surrounding breakups vary. But if there’s one thing tying every case together, it’s this: they all suck. And we need a channel to release all that. Fortunately, breakup tunes can do the job.

These songs existed long before streaming platforms were even a concept. Everyone has bopped along to one at some point. And with that, here’s a question: why do they feel cathartic?

#1: They tap into our emotions

Music is a gateway for emotions. And with something as taxing as breakups, they need a release. Whether you need a good cry or a powerful scream, you should let them out somehow. Think of music as the key to unlocking the door for them.

When you gain access to those post-breakup emotions, you process them much better. You may not get the exact answers to your questions, but you’ll slowly understand what’s happening. This will help you let go and eventually move on.

#2: They make us feel less alone

Breakups can feel isolating. You’ve essentially lost someone, and you’re left to deal with the brunt of that. Its emotional weight can make you want to shut people out, adding to the loneliness.

Breakup tunes can pull you out of that isolation, as they help normalize your experiences.

“The songs function to affirm their emotions, validate them, remind the listener they are not alone,” psychologist Bill Thompson tells the Los Angeles Times.

Lyrics make people feel seen and heard. And since we yearn for connection as a species, those tunes help us realize we’re not the only ones nursing wounds.

Good breakup songs put things into perspective—whether you’re single or not.

#3: They help us find ourselves, regardless of relationship status

Ironically, the most loved people will not pass up a chance to belt out a breakup anthem. So let’s not kid ourselves here: breakup tunes feel good even if you’re happily in love and have a healthy relationship.

They don’t always reflect our feelings, but they help us learn things about ourselves. They’re relatable since they usually center on heartbreak and painful change. While you might not have lost a romantic partner, they can make you think about other sad experiences, like broken friendships and poor choices

Listen to This List of the Best Breakup Songs

Do you feel angry? Maybe relieved? Regardless, we’re sure that, somewhere out there, there’s a breakup song encapsulating your feelings.

But here are specific ones you might want to add to your playlist. We’ve put them in categories to match your mood.

Sad Breakup Songs

If you’ve got many tears left to cry, bust out the tissues and turn on the waterworks. Breakups are sad, after all. You’re allowed to be sappy and sobby. These tunes should help you have a good cry (or two):

Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye—Leonard Cohen

Peaceful breakups are just as sad as bad ones. Even if you know a separation is the best solution, the bittersweet feeling still lingers. This 1967 tune has the protagonist looking back at happier times with its sweet yet sad lyrics.

Ain't No Sunshine—Bill Withers

Sometimes, simple messages make for good breakup songs.

This song’s title is a dead giveaway of its meaning, so you should know what to expect. The haunting, bluesy beat has Bill Withers crooning about his loneliness thanks to his lost lover. For a song that’s been out since 1971, it still resonates with people to this day.

Pictures of You—The Cure

Sometimes, even the smallest memento is enough to open a floodgate of memories. This almost eight-minute track sums that up all too well. After seeing old photos of a past love, the protagonist finds themself on a trip down memory lane.

Angry Breakup Songs

Anger is a common emotion during breakups. And it isn’t always towards an ex; sometimes, it’s directed at the circumstances. Release all that pent-up tension by blasting these anthems:

Go Your Own Way—Fleetwood Mac

If there was a perfect breakup album, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours comes close. This song is among the 11-track LP’s most popular ones because of its scathing lyrics. Lindsay Buckingham takes the lead here, singing defiantly about a lover who did him wrong.

You're So Vain—Carly Simon

Was your ex someone who thought they were all that but was, in reality, a total dud? This classic kiss-off track is for you. Carly Simon slams a self-absorbed ex who broke her heart here, so let this song remind you to avoid these types.

Empowering Breakup Songs

After all the heartache, you need a boost to help you get back up on your feet. These jams should help lift your post-breakup spirits:

I Will Survive—Gloria Gaynor

Don’t be ashamed to sing this song out loud, even if you’re a man—you need empowerment too! Take a cue from Gloria Gaynor; soldier on independently. You’ll be better off for it.

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover—Paul Simon

Don't be shy about it if you’re ready to move on. This 1971 hit has Simon playfully suggesting ways to walk away from a dying relationship over catchy drum beats. You don’t have to try one of those ways out; you can use this song to find the strength to pull yourself together.

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Breakup songs may not provide solutions, but they do help with healing from heartbreak. Think of them as a soundtrack to a rough patch. So go ahead—sing them loudly and proudly.